Vietnam inducts six L-39NGs

A pair of Aero Vodochody L-39NG Albatros aircraft intended for the VPAF prepare for a flight test in the Czech Republic. The aircraft have temporary Czech colours and serial numbers. (Aero Vodochody)

The Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) has inducted six Aero Vodochody L-39NG trainer and light-attack aircraft following the completion of final acceptance tests in the country.

According to Aero Vodochody, the Site Acceptance Test (SAT) entailed the full assembly of the six aircraft on site. After verification of all aircraft systems and functions, a factory pilot flew the aircraft on site, the company said in a release on 16 August.

“The final step of the handover of the aircraft, called SAT, takes place directly at the customer's site and is directed by a joint team of around 10 specialists from Aero and [our shareholder] Omnipol,” said Victor Sotona, CEO and chairman of the board of Aero.

According to the company, the “purpose of the SAT is to ensure that the aircraft is correctly installed and configured and is ready for operation”.

Vietnam ordered 12 L-39NG aircraft in February 2021. The contract includes spares, logistics support, and supporting equipment, as well as training for pilots, instructors, and ground personnel. Aero told Janes in February 2024 that it expects to complete delivery of all Vietnam-bound L-39NGs by the end of 2024.

The L-39NGs will operate in the VPAF “as a training platform for fighter pilots as well as a tactical platform fulfilling a wide range of missions”, Sotona said.